SCHOOLCHILDREN have been left “devastated” after a thief broke in and stole two giant lop-eared rabbits.

The offender, believed to be a man, forced his way into an animal compound at the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts in Broad Street on Sunday, between 8.30pm and 9pm.

After parking at the rear of the premises in a black Vauxhall Insignia, he climbed over a locked gate and damaged fencing before stealing the two rabbits, George and Thomas, and fleeing the scene in his car.

He is described as wearing a dark coloured North Face jacket, dark trousers and dark footwear.

The Academy offers opportunities in sport and the arts for children with disabilities. The rabbits are tended by children with special needs including autism.

Academy co-director Jane Whetnall said: “The rabbits are both males and have been neutered so are useless for breeding purposes, and since both are males they will fight each other and should be separated.

“The rabbits are looked after by the children and some children with autism have become especially attached to these lovable giants. As you can imagine the children will be devastated.”

PC Mark Jones has asked anyone with information to contact 101 quoting incident number 167 of November 21.

He added: “I am also appealing to the person who stole these rabbits to please return them safely back to the Academy. The rabbits play an integral part of the children’s routine and they have been left devastated by this incident.”

Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.